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Local Government

Articles in this section cover Bloomington city council, the mayor's office, Monroe County's board of commissioners, county council, and all the other local units.

Bloomington paid full $95K branding contract, key deliverables still not finished 4 months later

Bloomington paid the full $95K CivicBrand contract last November, but two major parts of the branding project remain unfinished. The episode raises broader questions about the city’s payment practices, compliance with federal accessibility rules, and how public records are shared.

Revised Bloomington Convention Center hotel plan collides with housing affordability crisis at Seminary Pointe apartments

Revised Bloomington Convention Center hotel plan collides with housing affordability crisis at Seminary Pointe apartments

Plans for a convention-center host hotel are colliding with the fate of Seminary Pointe apartments—among Bloomington’s cheapest rentals. Tenants paying $400–$700 a month face non-renewal notices as officials weigh transferring the property for hotel development.

Murky picture for Monroe County innkeeper’s tax revenue even muddier due to short term rentals

Murky picture for Monroe County innkeeper’s tax revenue even muddier due to short term rentals

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Monroe County convention and visitors commission, a report on long-term trends for innkeeper's tax revenue was complicated by a shift in monthly distributions last year, as well as the exclusion of some short-term-rental revenues.

County council approves $184K to keep Bloomington Transit Route 13 running to west side

County council approves $184K to keep Bloomington Transit Route 13 running to west side

Monroe County councilors unanimously approved $184,104 in EDIT funding to keep Bloomington Transit’s Route 13 operating for a year between downtown and the Ivy Tech–Park 48 corridor. Debate centered on process and regional transit policy, but there was no opposition to keeping the route running.

Perry Township Democrats weigh background, legacy in Gordon–Combs trustee race

Perry Township Democrats weigh background, legacy in Gordon–Combs trustee race

At a Monroe County Democratic Party forum, Perry Township trustee Leon Gordon and challenger Levi Combs offered contrasting backgrounds but similar priorities for the office. The May 5 primary will likely decide the seat, with no Republican currently on the ballot.

Bloomington council signals support for Hopewell South PUD zoning, but won’t vote sooner than March 25

Bloomington council signals support for Hopewell South PUD zoning, but won’t vote sooner than March 25

The Bloomington city council signaled support for the Hopewell South housing development, but put off a final vote until March 25. The proposal would allow about 98 homes on 6.3 acres of city-owned land near 2nd and Rogers, more than the roughly 28 units allowed under current zoning.

Bloomington city council adopts resolution on Flock license-plate reader cameras as ‘first step’

Bloomington city council adopts resolution on Flock license-plate reader cameras as ‘first step’

The Bloomington city council voted 9–0 Wednesday to adopt a resolution addressing the city’s use of Flock automated license-plate reader cameras, after more than 30 speakers spoke from the public mic. The resolution asks the mayor for a public briefing and detailed information about the program.